When
was the last time you were truly moved by a film score? When
was the last time you threw all your cynicism at the door
and were touched by the mythical powers of music? With the
release of this 60-minute soundtrack album from M. Night Shyamalan’s
fifth full-length feature, be prepared to be enchanted –
by the sheer lyrical moods of the score composed by the Indian-born
director’s long-time collaborator, James Newton Howard.

We
shall not touch on the debate of whether Shyamalan’s
latest film should be applauded, and focus on the driving
force of all his five movies – the film score.

Like his
previous works (1999’s Snow Falling on the Cedar, 2000’s
Dinosaur, 2005’s King Kong) Howard’s score for
Shyamalan’s movies are the best examples of how music
infuses seamlessly with the theme of the film, and complements
the visuals perfectly.
With his latest composition, Howard has created a fantasy
watery world where listeners will suspend their disbelief
and travel on a musical journey that is worthy of an innocent
bedtime story – true to the director’s intentions.

First,
there are tracks like “Charades”, “Cereal
Boxes” and “The Healing” which steadily
plod along with a hypnotic rhythm, before more layers of distinctive
thematic melody are gradually built on. The textures of the
different layers are so distinct and tuneful; you’d
find your enjoyment level escalating with the occasional oboe
and piano solos.

Then there
are the heavenly choir vocalists who provide the album with
the most saintly and pure sounds we have ever heard in a while.
Couple that with a lonely flute accompaniment in “Officer
Jimbo”, and you’d have yourself one divine listening
experience.

And like
all bedtime stories, the album could do with some peril element.
Tracks like “Walkie Talkie” and “The Great
Eatlon” provide those atmospheres without being too
harsh on the brass sections.

The decision
to include four songs may be considered odd to fans of Howard
- but the choice of these four covers of Bob Dylan songs would
not kick you off track too much. The moody and somewhat feathery
rendition of “The Times They Are A-Changin’”
by A Whisper in the Dark is a nice contrast to the energetic
“It Ain’t Me Babe” performed by Silvertide,
who also sang and had cameo roles in the movie.

Zen
and lusciously attractive - that’s the unassuming power
of this soundtrack has on us. And if you are ready to immerse
yourself in this beautifully elegant musical experience, we’d
guarantee it would be one delight you’d never forget
in a long time. Just like those memorable bedtime stories
you’ve remembered since you were young.